Good Neighbor Christmas in Downingtown

This Saturday, Downingtown will host its annual Good Neighbor Christmas event. And, Downingtown’s neighbor Coatesville also has a special holiday event this weekend, a holiday house tour in Lukens National Historic District.

Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas includes a variety of events but the main focus is always on the parade which will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday and run along Lancaster Avenue.

The Uptown String Band and the Chester County Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band will provide the music along with local high school and college marching bands.

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Other parade participants include floats, antique cars, service vehicles and scout groups, and, of course, Santa Claus. Live entertainment will be provided by the Majazztic Twirlers and Russell’s Dance and Baton Studio, Mad Dog and the Tall Cedar Clowns.

The parade runs along Lancaster Avenue starting at Gable Avenue in the west end of town and ending at Whiteland Avenue in the east. This year’s parade, which is expected be the biggest ever, will feature Grand Marshals who are all U.S. Marine Corp veterans.

The Hospitality Suite, which is sponsored by the Christmas Committee, will be held at the Minquas Fire House from 1-3 p.m. and feature free refreshments.

Santa will be visiting with kids at the Hospitality Suite from 1:30-2:30 p.m. As an added attraction, there will be live holiday music performed by Brother Bob and Friends. The “Donner Dash,” a one -ile run/fun walk with cash prizes, is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Tonight, you can enjoy the Lukens National Historic District’s holiday house tour from 5-8 p.m.

The various properties are decked out in their Victorian splendor and ready to receive guests. There will be a performance by the Lukens Band, a visit from Saint Nick, lively carolers and a holiday model train display. Admission is free with a donation of a canned good for the Coatesville Emergency Food Cupboard.